Marondera – Parents of pupils at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Primary School in Marondera are raising serious concerns about the deteriorating state of affairs at the institution, alleging widespread teacher absenteeism, financial mismanagement, and mistreatment of pupils. Desperate to safeguard their children’s future, they claim their pleas to authorities have so far been ignored.
According to the concerned parents, the school is currently plagued by a lack of accountability and a breakdown in discipline, with teachers frequently failing to report for duty, leaving pupils without proper instruction. They fear that this disruption is jeopardising their children’s education and future prospects.
In a letter dated December 2, 2024, addressed to Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Moses Mhike, the parents stated: “The school head no longer has authority over teachers, which has resulted in increased absenteeism. Absenteeism of teachers has led to learning time loss to our children.”
The parents accuse the school head, identified as V Mapedza, and his deputies, Mrs Mashababe and Mr Ruwiza, of failing to address the issues and restore order. They claim that the school administration has lost control, leading to a chaotic learning environment.
Beyond teacher absenteeism, the parents allege that corruption is rampant within the school administration. They claim that funds raised for textbooks and a building project, which was promised to be completed by December 2024, have been misappropriated.
Instead of investing in educational resources, the parents allege that the school administration purchased Toyota Hilux GD6 and Toyota Quantum vehicles. They further claim that the Toyota Hilux GD6 does not bear the school logo or colours and is being used by the school head as a personal vehicle.
“From last year and part of this year, the school administration spent money on vehicles that were not budgeted for,” the parents noted in a June 14, 2024, letter addressed to the Primary and Secondary Education minister.
An SDC (School Development Committee) representative told NewsDay that US$2 500 collected from parents was allegedly shared among teachers and other staff without proper authorisation.
“Parents of 400 students had to pay twice, while 150 children on the Beam [Basic Education Assistance Module], a scheme meant to help the poor see no clear benefit,” the SDC representative said.
Adding to the financial burden, another SDC representative, who requested anonymity, said parents are being forced to pay US$10 per week for extra lessons and are being overcharged for school trips.
“We are made to pay US$15 transport fee for a return trip over short distances such as to Harare (a 140km trip to and fro),” a parent said. “Meals and entrance fees to places visited are not included.”
The parents and SDC members claim that they are kept in the dark about the school’s finances and are not involved in decision-making processes. “We don’t know how much they use every other time. They don’t include the SDC members,” another SDC member said.
The parents also allege that the school head is demanding bribes from parents seeking placements for their children, particularly those transferring from private schools. They argue that this practice disadvantages pupils from less affluent families and exacerbates inequality.
Furthermore, the parents suspect that the school administrators are inflating the cost of education and pocketing the difference. “There is a lot of money which is left after trips, but is not being accounted for,” the parents wrote.
The parents also expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of the classrooms, with some pupils reportedly attending classes in cabins. They also allege that some students cannot afford the expensive extra lessons and are therefore excluded from participating.
“Children whose parents or guardians would not have paid for extra lessons are told to sit outside,” parents said.
The parents claim that when they voice their concerns, their children are targeted. “The children of the parents who are vocal are beaten for no reason,” they said, with teachers allegedly boasting: “Your parents can’t do anything about it.”
They also raised concerns about the safety of pupils using the school bus, which they claim is unregistered but is being used publicly for personal gain.
Adding to the financial strain, the parents say that the school is demanding fees primarily in US dollars, even though many parents earn their salaries in the local currency, ZiG. “It’s not all parents who have access to US dollars,” they stressed, pleading for fairness.
Desperate to address the situation, the parents said they have written to the Primary and Secondary Education ministry, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the district schools inspector, and local officials, but have received no meaningful response.
“We need urgent help so that our children can learn in a healthy environment without discrimination,” they said.
When contacted for comment, Mapedza refused to respond, stating that he does not speak to the media. Marondera district schools inspector Ferdinando Changa also declined to comment.
Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said they are “now working on it.” Zacc spokesperson Simiso Mlevu did not respond to inquiries.
